IPL 2025 Final Showdown PBKS vs RCB. Who Will Lift Their Maiden IPL Trophy?

We are into the judgment day of Tata IPL 2025. The biggest extravaganza of T20 franchise cricket has reached its boiling point, and we are set for a final showdown between the Punjab Kings and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. To make the event even grander, the biggest cricket stadium in the world, i.e., the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, will play host to this epic clash. Fans can’t keep calm for an exhilarating showdown tonight, and we are up for it too. Let’s move ahead and discuss how the two teams will fare in this contest and who will have an edge heading into this massive game.

Match Preview & Build-Up: PBKS vs RCB – IPL 2025 Final

The IPL 2025 Final sees Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore vying for the ultimate glory. Both teams have had exceptional journeys this season, overcoming challenges and proving their mettle in high-stakes encounters. Both teams have never held the elusive IPL trophy in the past, which means we are assured of a brand-new champion this season.

Punjab Kings’ Journey to the Final

The Punjab Kings went into the IPL 2025 auctions with the biggest purse, as they chose to retain only two players from last year’s squad, i.e., opener Prabhsimran Singh for INR 4 crores and finisher Shashank Singh for INR 5 crores. Ahead of the auctions, PBKS named legendary Australian skipper Ricky Ponting as their head coach, and the mastermind deployed a young troop led by the IPL-winning skipper Shreyas Iyer.

The coach-captain duo of Ricky Ponting and Shreyas Iyer have previously worked together for Delhi Capitals, leading their team to the finals of IPL 2020. Their work ethics are almost similar, and whatever they have planned so far has been executed pretty well. Leading a young team isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but Shreyas Iyer’s calm and composed demeanor has played an instrumental role in elevating Punjab Kings to the top this season.

After 11 long years, the Punjab Kings are in the finals, and they won’t leave any stone unturned in the pursuit of the coveted IPL trophy. With momentum on their side and the inspirational leadership of Shreyas Iyer making all the difference, Punjab Kings will strongly compete in the Tata IPL 2025 final.

Expected Playing XI for PBKS vs RCB

Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wk), Shreyas Iyer (c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Vijaykumar Vyshak/Harpreet Brar, Kyle Jamieson, Yuzvendra Chahal, Arshdeep Singh
IMPACT PLAYERS: Prabhsimran Singh

Will Royal Challengers Bengaluru get 4th time lucky?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru is hungry to break their finals curse. The Anil Kumble-led RCB made it to the finals in the second edition of IPL, i.e., in 2009, but were tamed by the Deccan Chargers. Two years later, in 2011, Daniel Vettori-led RCB made it to the finals and lost to Chennai Super Kings in Chennai to hand them their second title on the bounce. RCB’s next IPL final came 7 years later in 2016 under the leadership of Virat Kohli, and this time it looked like they had the best chance of claiming the title. However, their party was spoiled by David Warner’s Sunrisers Hyderabad.

In 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru looked like a different unit altogether. After building a strong bowling unit in the auctions, the leadership was transferred to Rajat Patidar from Faf du Plessis, who led the team in the last three seasons. Patidar brought a new flair, and here he is standing with the team in the finals.

RCB’s standout feature this season has been their exceptional bowling attack, spearheaded by Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Their ability to pick crucial wickets at key moments has provided stability and strength to the squad. Complementing their dominance with the ball is Virat Kohli’s utmost consistency with the bat, making him the lynchpin of RCB’s batting lineup.

As Kohli enters the twilight phase of his illustrious career, having already bid farewell to T20Is and Test cricket, his sole focus remains on lifting the elusive IPL trophy, a dream that has slipped through his fingers for the past 18 seasons. With unparalleled dedication and unmatched determination, Kohli has given his all in IPL 2025, treating every match as a personal battle. Now, standing on the cusp of history in the grand final, the stage is set for King Kohli to cement his legacy. Will this be the moment when he finally gets his hands on the coveted trophy, fulfilling a lifelong pursuit?

Expected Playing XI for RCB vs PBKS

IMPACT PLAYERS: Mayank Agarwal

Who Will Win their maiden IPL Trophy?

Three final appearances and three heartbreaks for RCB and their spirited fans. With this being their fourth IPL final appearance, can the Royal Challengers finally get fourth time lucky? Or will Punjab Kings lift the elusive trophy for the first time in just their second IPL final appearance? Get ready for an exciting showdown this evening at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.